DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida community is grieving the loss of a man who, police said, was shot and killed during a road rage incident in Deerfield Beach by a gunman who then committed a second, unrelated murder.
Family and friends gathered at Deerfield Beach High School on Sunday night and lit candles in honor of former student 25-year-old Carlos Senluis. 7News cameras captured his mother as loved ones helped her walk to the site of the solemn event.
A friend of the victim remembered him as a popular baseball player at the school and at Florida Memorial University. “[He was a] superstar baseball player. We lost a lot,” said Simon Segura.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Senluis was driving on Southwest 14th Street, seconds away from his home, Friday night. At around 10:30 p.m. the headlights of his 2010 red Nissan flashed another driver near 11th Avenue. That motorist, identified as 28-year-old Clarck Paul, became upset and followed Senluis home.
“The defendant asked the victim, ‘Hey, is there a problem here?’ And the victim tried to quell the issue and said, ‘No, there is no problem,'” said BSO spokesperson Joy Oglesby. “Unprovoked, the suspect then shot into this Nissan car, killing the victim.”
The two men did not know each other, but authorities said it didn’t matter because Paul was already on his way to kill someone else. “This suspect actually seemed to be on a mission,” said Oglesby.
Investigators said, after shooting Senluis, Paul drove to North Lauderdale, where he shot and killed 22-year-old Lamont Smalls. “We believe that he had an intention to kill this man because he believed he was a witness in a separate Pompano Beach attempted murder,” said Oglesby.
Detectives said the two shootings took place less than one hour apart. “What we’re talking about is 35 minutes in between one incident and the other,” said Oglesby.
Senluis was rushed to Broward Health North, where he later died.
At his memorial, mourners put their arms around each other and prayed. “We’re asking for peace. We’re asking for comfort,” said one man as he led others in prayers. “Again, we thank you for the life of Carlos, Lord God.”
His high school coach said his former student’s death is heartbreaking and untimely. “Unfortunately, somebody took his life without giving him a chance to fight for it,” said Roberto Alonso.
Senluis had recently graduated from FMU with a degree in psychology. “He’s missed, but ne’s never gonna be forgotten,” said Alonso.
Senluis’ family declined to comment and have asked for privacy at this time.
Paul was arrested and is being held at the Broward County Jail on several charges, including murder.
Senluis’ family created a GoFundMe page for help with their unexpected funeral expenses. If you would like to make a donation, click on this link.
Police continue investigating.
If you have any information on either shooting, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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